CPUSA Convention debates dropping Name and Marxism-Leninism

The CPUSA is holding its 30th Convention in June and it appears that it is having the most serious fundamental ideological and theoretical debates it has had in its history. Up for grabs is the very nature of Marxism-Leninism, Socialism and Communism. Some argue that the name Socialist should be preserved in the name, while others argue that event the term Socialism should be dropped since its not in the immediate objective of defeating the Ultra-Right. There are also dissenting voices from the Anti-Revisionist factions, calling for upholding Marxism-Leninism.

Up for grabs is the very nature of Marxism-Leninism, Socialism and Communism. Some argue that the name Socialist should be preserved in the name, while others argue that event the term Socialism should be dropped since its not in the immediate objective of defeating the Ultra-Right.

Well, that is handy. They seem to be following the theory of Permanent Degeneration rather than the usual multi-stage approach to mutation that we've seen in other parties. In the past, they would first shit on Stalin (and/or Mao, depending on their traditions), then on Lenin, then they would declare that "communism" is out of date, and only then would the term "socialism" go.

For instance, in the Netherlands, the Socialist Party is doing this. They declare themselves to be a "social" party rather than a socialist one, and they try to avoid using their own party name as much as possible, preferring the initials SP as a kind of brand name. That means that the very concept of socialism has to be purged from mainstream leftist discourse. It seems that some elements in the CPUSA want to skip all these stages and just destroy the essence of their party in one blow.

I'm skimming some of these articles, and at least there do appear to be some voices of reason. At least it's good to see that the writings of guys like Hans Heinz Holz are also finding their way. On the other hand, I can't help but laugh at one of these "hardcore M-Ls" from Houston who says that we should take a shit on Gramsci. That's just being silly.

As others have mentioned, none of this is surprising. Many communist and socialist parties are little better than social democratic parties, if that. Many social democratic parties are neoliberal parties. This has been the trend since the ‘70s, at least in the West.

The funny thing is that people on the Right still gets crazy over the “commies,” when most organized communist parties are totally moribund. I try explaining to my right-wing uncle that his side is winning but he still thinks that the evil commie Obama is turning America into the USSA! How can anybody think this way? You really have to be deluded.

"A shiny bauble from Capitalism is worthless when the cost is Children & the Elderly going hungry, The Infirm & Sick dying because of Greed & Education reduced to a token few to placate the masses with Illusions of freedom."